Designing perfect dorm room on a budget

September 16, 2008|ARA Content

As parents send their kids back-to-school this fall, many families will be spending less on their back to school purchases. According to a recent survey commissioned by Microsoft, 58 percent of parents say the economy will affect college related purchases this fall.

With current economic woes putting a damper on spending, parents and students are looking for the best value on everything from clothes to computers. And while saving money is a priority, value and style donÂ?t have to contradict each other.

Since purchasing a new computer is a big expense, Microsoft teamed up with designer Genevieve Gordor of HGTVÂ?s Â?Dear GenevieveÂ? to provide some useful tips and tricks on designing a dorm. All students should first start off with a Windows powered PC which provides all the functionality college students need for as little as $860. A Windows powered PC can do it all, from recording a recent episode of your favorite TV show to helping write a stellar history paper.

After the computer is purchased, Gordor notes, Â?When your son or daughter first arrives on campus, theyÂ?ll likely be disappointed by how institutional-looking their dorm room is, but there are some simple and inexpensive things they can do to jazz the place up,Â? says Gorder.

Gorder recommends dorm dwellers begin by decorating the place where they will spend the most time during their college years Â? the bed. Â?The dorm room is really all about the bed, and itÂ?s usually half the room,Â? she says. Â?This is where you will sleep, sit, study and entertain.Â?

Here are some simple ways to dress the space up: Â? Layer with sheets, a coverlet, duvet and throw. All of these pieces add texture, dimension, color and function. The bed will determine your whole color palette. Remember, keep it light, keep it simple and add color and pattern with accent pillows.

Â? Use oversize box pillows against the walls to act as a couch during the day, and a bolster at either side acts as armrests.

Â? Utilize the space under the bed by lifting it up on wood posts cut at your local home improvement store. You can then put sliding drawers beneath the bed; the wood ones are best and last the longest.

Once students are settled, they can instantly keep in touch with friends and family back home by installing Windows Live. With Windows Live, you can share your favorite photos with friends, send and receive e-mail from your Web-enabled mobile phone, even talk face-to-face with Real Time video chat. To learn more, visit www.windowslive.com.

By following these tips, youÂ?ll be able to create a space thatÂ?s warm and inviting, not to mention conducive to learning. Have a great year!